Chattanooga, Tenn. –– Clarity, the Plantronics division specializing in devices for seniors and the physically impaired, has introduced two new Alto corded home phones for the hearing impaired.

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Chattanooga, Tenn. –– Clarity, the Plantronics division specializing in devices for seniors and the physically impaired, has introduced two new Alto corded home phones for the hearing impaired.

The phones are the first Clarity products to meet the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) 4953 standard for amplified phones, published last May. The standard requires laboratory testing to meet benchmarks for sound amplification, tone control, simulated use for hearing aid users, and the sound level of the ringer.

The Alto offers 53 decibels of amplification, suitable for those with mild, moderate or severe hearing loss. It reduces noise and makes soft sounds audible and keeps loud sounds in a comfortable range for the user through Digital Clarity Power, a patented sound-processing technology that functions similarly to a modern digital hearing aid, the company said.

Users can adjust the amplification settings with a new ergonomic volume and tone control wheel, designed for ease of use for those with arthritis or dexterity challenges.

A second model, AltoPlus, adds a 4-inch titling LCD display.

In addition to boosting incoming sound, the Alto phones amplify outgoing speech up to 15dB. Both feature a speakerphone, and an extra-loud and a bright visual ringer.

Both also feature an extra-large talking keypad as well as caller ID so that users with low vision can easily operate the phone.

ClarityLogic, the company’s customer-service technology, allows customer representatives to remotely access the phone and adjust and configure the volume, tone control or other settings for the user.

The Alto retails for $160 and the AltoPlus for $170.

“Hearing loss is the third most-common health issue in the U.S.,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “Millions are struggling and don’t realize helpful solutions like our Alto phones exist. Because the Alto family is the first to meet the new standard, users can be confident that these phones will truly help them hear and understand conversations better. We are proud our Alto line is first to meet the new TIA-4953 standard, which will hold manufacturers accountable to ensure they are providing the quality sound amplification that consumers with hearing loss deserve.”